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Artist's Description

Earth is an element usually situated at the center of our existence. In its nature it is at rest, and because of its inherent weight, all other elements gravitate toward it, however far away they may be. It is said to be cold and dry in nature, and it appears so to sight and touch, so long as it is not changed by any other elements. It is by means of the earth element that the parts of our bodies are fixed and held in place; thus the outward form of the body is due to the earth element.

Water is a simple substance whose position in nature is exterior to the sphere of the earth and interior to that of air. Water is cold and moist in temperament, although only slightly so. Water is easily dispersed and assumes any shape without permanency. In the construction of “things,” the addition of water allows the possibility of their being shaped and molded and spread out. Shapes can readily be made from it, and just as easily dispersed. Moisture dispels dryness, the latter being overruled by the former. Moisture protects dryness from crumbling (as moist earth, or mud), and likewise, dryness prevents moisture from dispersing. Thus the two elements of earth and water are interacting and interdependent. Water is, of course, absolutely essential to life.

Air is positioned in nature above both water and earth, but beneath fire. The temperament of air is hot and moist, and its purpose in nature is to make things finer, lighter, and more delicate and thus more able to ascend into higher spheres. Air is also the agent by which breath moves in and out of the body and causes or makes possible the involuntary movements of the body.

Fire is also a simple substance, situated higher than the other three elements. Fire is hot and dry in temperament, and its role in nature is to rarefy, refine, and intermingle things. Fire has the power to penetrate and can ride through the element of air. It has the capacity to overcome the coldness of the two cold elements, earth and water, and so creates and maintains harmony among the elements.